In a 4-1 vote Monday, the Gorham Fayette Board of Education voted not to seek renewal of a seven-mill operating levy that will expire at the end of the year. The decision led one board member to resign.

Board member Kim Winzeler wrote in a letter of resignation delivered yesterday that he believed “there are significant tax burden requirements for basic public education...in small towns. Small towns must absorb these tax burdens in Ohio.” Winzeler cast the sole dissenting vote.

School superintendent David Hankins called the action “phase one” of the board’s plan to return money to district taxpayers. Winzeler felt the issue should have been placed on the May ballot.